14 Best Talking-Head Video Examples (+Editable Templates)

Talking head videos put a human face at the center of the message to guide, explain, and connect.

A visible speaker adds structure, context, and presence that screen recordings or slides alone often lack.

Synthesia offers a wide range of talking head video templates powered by AI avatars, making it easy to get started.

Talking head video examples

The examples below are some of my favorites.

If you see one you like, you can click 'Edit video template', sign up to Synthesia (for free), and then use the template to create your own AI video.

1) Training video

For training and educational videos, a talking head works well because it mirrors the classroom dynamic. Learners are used to receiving instruction from a person, and a visible instructor can help structure the lesson, highlight key points, and make complex topics feel more approachable.

2) Interactive quiz video

In quizzes and interactive videos, a talking head helps guide the learner through the experience, explain questions, and provide feedback in a way that feels more like a conversation than a test. Seeing a presenter introduces a sense of presence and pacing, which can make learners more comfortable and focused as they move through each step.

3) Product demo video

In product demos and tours, a talking head can act as a guide who walks the viewer through features and workflows. This human layer helps frame what they are seeing on screen, provides context for why something matters, and creates a smoother narrative than screen recordings alone.

4) Sales outreach video

In sales and outreach videos, a talking head makes the message feel more personal than text or slides. It allows the presenter to address the viewer directly, introduce an offer or idea, and communicate tone and intent clearly, which is especially important in first-touch or follow-up communication.

5) Business presentation video

For corporate updates and business presentations, a talking head adds clarity and structure. A presenter can introduce topics, transition between sections, and emphasize key messages, helping the audience follow along as they would in a live meeting or all-hands presentation.

6) Knowledge base video

In knowledge base videos, a talking head can provide quick orientation and explanation. A visible narrator helps set context, explain processes, and make otherwise static information feel more guided and easier to absorb.

7) Recruitment video

‍In recruitment and HR content, a talking head is useful for introducing the company, explaining roles or processes, and setting expectations. Seeing a person speak can help candidates and employees better understand who they are hearing from and what the organization is like, making the information feel more relatable and grounded.

8) Social media video

For social media videos, a talking head helps capture attention quickly and build a personal connection in short-form content. A presenter can deliver messages directly to the camera, making announcements, tips, or thought leadership feel more authentic and engaging in fast-scrolling feeds.

9. Educational video

In educational videos, a talking head supports explanation and continuity across lessons. Seeing the same instructor helps learners follow complex topics, maintain focus, and build familiarity throughout a course or learning program.

10. SOP video

For standard operating procedure videos, a talking head can introduce each step, explain why it matters, and guide viewers through the workflow. This human narration reduces ambiguity and makes procedural content easier to follow and remember.

11. Marketing video

In marketing videos, a talking head helps humanize the brand and clearly communicate value propositions. A presenter can frame benefits, tell short stories, and build trust in a way that feels more persuasive than slides or text alone.

12. Onboarding video

In onboarding videos, a talking head creates a welcoming first impression and sets expectations for new employees or customers. A visible host can guide viewers through what to expect and what to do next, making the experience feel more personal and reassuring.

13. Microlearning video

In microlearning videos, a talking head delivers short, focused explanations that feel direct and easy to digest. A presenter can introduce a single concept, provide quick context, and reinforce key takeaways in a highly efficient format.

14. Company culture video

In company culture videos, a talking head helps convey values, mission, and ways of working through real human presence. Seeing a spokesperson or leader speak makes cultural messages feel more authentic and emotionally engaging.

What is a talking-head video?

A talking head video is a type of video that features a person talking directly to the camera. The camera is usually positioned so that only the person's head and shoulders are visible.

Talking head videos are often used for educational or informational purposes, as they allow the viewer to hear the speaker's voice and see their expressions.

They can be used to deliver a lecture, give instructions, or provide commentary on current events.

They are also commonly used in marketing and advertising, as they can be very effective in delivering a message.

Why use a talking head in your videos

Using a talking head in your videos is the best way to:

✔️ Build a connection: A face your audience identifies with can create a personal connection, build trust and credibility, and improve information retention.

✔️ Improve comprehension: Facial expressions and body language reinforce the message and make a more impactful video.

✔️ Increase engagement: A talking head keeps your audience engaged and interested in the video since people are likelier to pay attention when seeing a face.

Tips for filming talking head video content

The following tips will help you create talking heads videos of all types.

#1: Try using an AI avatar

One of the hardest parts about filming talking head videos is getting your production quality right. If you want to produce instructional videos at scale, consider using an AI spokesperson. There are hundreds of faces and voices to choose from.

#2: Make sure your audio is crystal clear

These days, even your iPhone camera can deliver great production value. But you'll still need to invest in an external microphone solution. A built-in microphone will pick up too much background noise, resulting in plenty of awkward pauses! If you're looking for a cheap solution, lapel mics usually do the trick. Else a high-quality boom mic is your best option.

#3: Lighting is the difference between amateur and expert

Professional studio lights can take any video clip from ugly to stunning. While you can also include natural lighting in your setup, make sure that you soften all shadows from your light sources using the principle of 3-point lighting.

#4: Use different angles to keep your audience's attention

All video types need to have a variety of video camera angles to be engaging and interesting to watch. When video editing, ensure you don't hold the same angle for an extended time. On the flip side, when your presenter is delivering key messages, it's best to keep the camera angle steady to avoid distraction.